FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Rob Gronkowski has been cleared to play at the New England Patriots training camp.

Coach Bill Belichick says the star tight end has been cleared after offseason knee surgery. The Patriots hold their first public practice of camp on Thursday.

Belichick also says the health of the team is the most important thing for every player.

Gronkowski missed the last three regular-season games and both playoff games after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he was hit by Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward. Gronkowski underwent surgery in January.

He also missed the first six games while recovering from forearm and back operations. He played just seven games last season and finished with 39 catches and four touchdowns.

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